The four Vietnamese nationals who are missing and may have been in Bismark House Mill, Bower Street during the fire on Saturday 7 May 2022 can now be named.
Cuong Van Chu, Uoc Van Nguyen, Duong Van Nguyen and Nam Thanh Le were reported missing to GMP on Thursday 21 July 2022.
Cuong (39) arrived in the UK in June 2019. He maintained regular contact with his wife and children but they have not heard from him since Saturday 7 May 2022.
Uoc (31) also maintained regular contact with his wife but she has not heard from him since Saturday 7 May 2022, at which time he said he was in a mill.
Duong (29) arrived in the UK approximately 12 months ago. He last contacted his family approximately three months ago, at which time he said he was residing in ‘an abandoned house’ whilst looking for work.
Nam (21) arrived in the UK in January 2022. He last contacted his family on Wednesday 4 May 2022, at which time he said he was residing in ‘a derelict house’ in ‘Dam’, believed to be Oldham, whilst looking for work.
Teams have been searching the remnants of the mill since demolition workers discovered human remains on Saturday 23 July 2022. Specialists have confirmed the recovery of remains of three victims, though they have not yet been formally identified.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, GMP’s Victim Identification lead, said: “Our thoughts remain with Cuong, Uoc, Duong and Nam’s loved ones. Specially-trained officers have been in direct contact with them and continue to make every effort to ensure they are fully updated and supported in Vietnam, as they would be in the United Kingdom.
“We are continuing to search Bismark House Mill to ensure the recovery of all human remains and any objects of significance. Meanwhile, the investigation team is following several lines of enquiry relating to the fire and activities at the mill beforehand.
“Though we have reason to suspect that Cuong, Uoc, Duong and Nam may have been in the mill during the fire, we are keeping an open mind with regards to how many people were present and their whereabouts. I, therefore, appeal to them or anyone with information about their whereabouts before or after the fire to contact us. I stress that their safety and welfare is our number one priority.
Specialist officers searching Bismark House Mill, Bower Street have recovered further human remains, indicating a third victim.
Teams have been searching the remnants of the mill, which was subject to a fire on Saturday 7 May 2022, since demolition workers discovered human remains on Saturday 23 July 2022.
It is believed that four Vietnamese nationals, who were reported missing to GMP on Thursday 21 July 2022, may have been inside.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, GMP’s Victim Identification lead, said: “I speak on behalf of all involved in this operation when I say that our thoughts are with the potential family members in Vietnam. Specially-trained officers have been in direct contact with them and continue to liaise with partner agencies to ensure they are fully updated and supported.
“At the scene, extensive search and recovery work continues to ensure any further remains are respectfully recovered. Meanwhile, the investigation team is following several lines of enquiry relating to the fire and activities at the mill beforehand. Any criminal offences identified as part of their investigation will be progressed immediately and appropriately.
